About the Flu

Most people recover within 5-14 days, but more serious cases and complications such as pneumonia can occur. The people at greatest risk of complications are:

those over 65 years old

pregnant women

young children and

people with chronic health conditions such as lung or heart disease and diabetes.

If you become sick, please call us so that we can advise you about the best course of action. Anti-viral medications can be useful for some patients early in the course of flu. We are happy to advise you– and we especially want to hear from you if you are at higher risk for complications.

Adults, call 203-432-0038

Yale students, call 203-432-0312

For children, call 203-432-0206

If you are not a Yale Health member you should contact your primary care provider.

Prevention is key to the control of flu. Public health authorities strongly recommend the flu vaccine.

Other important steps to avoid flu include:

washing your hands often with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

not touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and

if possible, avoiding close contact with people who are sick with flu. If direct contact is unavoidable, ask the sick person to wear a mask of cover their coughs/sneezes – and remind them about frequent handwashing.

If you get the flu, please stay home so you can recover more quickly and lower the risk of infecting others. Be sure to have fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol) on hand, and follow the safe dosing instructions. Drink plenty of fluids and be sure to rest. Protect your close contacts by not sharing utensils and safely disposing of contaminated tissues. Remember to cover your cough and wash your hands frequently. Do not return to work until you have been free of fever for 24 hours without fever-lowering medicine.